Guitar Gear Forum

I've got a buddy that's looking to sell his M-Audio input device (Fasttrack Pro). I've already got a Presonus Audiobox USB, and am wondering if they'd work together ok. Anyone have any experience with using two different audio devices from two different manufactures (using different drivers, obviously)? Would there be any perceivable difference in sound between the two input devices?

I'm interested in this for a couple of reasons. First, I'd have the ability to run phantom power to my condenser mic with the presonus, while using the M-Audio for regular non-phantom powered mics or direct input from an instrument. I'd also like to have the 4 inputs so that I can record more mics directly to their own tracks. Second, I have an old 4-track recorder that has 4 outputs that I'd like to connect into the computer so I can pull all 4 tracks from my old tapes simultaneously into my DAW.

Using different drivers at the same time is a no-go usually. Even using two of the exact same interface usually won't work unless the drivers are specifically designed to accommodate it.

I believe there are ways to set up aggregate devices in order to use multiple interfaces, but I don't know much about that and I've heard mixed results.

Not sure if this is possible but couldn't you Y cable and couple them down to two tracks?

I'm using a Focusrite Saffire 56 and Octopre. It really depends on the interfaces. I run the Octopre ADAT out into the Saffire and the Saffire is my primary interface.

I'm wondering if the drivers allow for specific USB addressing, much like the interrupts we used to configure on peripheral cards in the old days. This would allow multiples of the same card type (ie: hard drive controllers) to run in one computer without conflict.

Sounds like I've got some research to do.

As to Mike's question, I want to pull tracks in their native format, without mixing / coupling tracks, so that I can specifically EQ and remix in the DAW. The recordings I have of my old band are already bounced too much, and I want to try cleaning them up so they're listenable. I know I could pull the individual tracks in two passes (2 tracks at a time), but then I'd have to sync them together and hope the tape motor stays consistent.

Some of this is overthinking, I know, because they're shit recordings to start with. I'm just trying to capture the best takes I can, without introducing new issues, and use the incredible tools available in the DAW to make the best of it.

record it twice for each pair and sync the two halves up afterward?

Modest wrote:record it twice for each pair and sync the two halves up afterward?

See my post above (you beat me to it ). I'm trying to avoid issues related to tape motor sync / consistency.

One of the cool things about Firewire goodies is that you can chain them..

i use two input devices in the time. just slip a finger in the butt

if it's doable and it would be if you were using AES and converters but with those I doubt it but if.. then you need to clock them

Dickarms wasnt using AES converters.

putting a input into a output may or may not give you the desired results . ymmv